GCWR

I recently purchased your RV Owner’s Handbook to use with a 1993, 22-foot Itasca Class A motorhome. I would like to tow a small vehicle behind it but cannot find my GCWR? How might I determine this number? Who would I contact and do you have a phone number or e-mail address for them?
Chris, (Sequim, WA)

Chris, most motorhome manufacturers from that era rarely (if ever), published a gross combined weight rating. The hitch installed on the Itasca will have a tow rating determined by the manufacturer of that hitch. If it was installed by Itasca at the time of manufacture, you should be able to contact their Service Department for the correct weight rating. You can contact Itasca at: 641-585-3535.

If, however, the hitch was installed by the dealer or an aftermarket service shop, it may have a different rating altogether. It would take a visual inspection to determine the actual weight rating of a custom hitch installation. Motorhomes are indeed suitable for towing, especially boats or flat-towed cars, but the GCWR mainly pertains to specific tow vehicles like SUVs, autos and trucks. But I’m guessing that if your motorhome has any type of receiver hitch it will be more than able to safely tow a dinghy vehicle with all four tires on the ground. There is minimal hitch weight directly on the hitch when flat towing.